Do I need to have an American manager if I am a foreign singer?

It is important to understand that the O visa, intended for artists who demonstrate extraordinary ability, requires a formal relationship between the artist and an entity or agency in the United States that can act as a sponsor or agent when submitting the petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In the specific case of a foreign singer, there is no legal requirement that you must have an ”American manager”. However, for the O visa petition to be properly submitted, it is necessary to have an agent or entity in the U.S. that demonstrates its role as an intermediary, organizing contracts, scheduling performances, and, most importantly, proving that you have a career and recognition in your field.

This relationship can be established through an agent, company, or, in some cases, your own U.S. employer – and is not limited solely to a traditional manager. Even if you already have a manager in your country of origin, the role of that professional can be distinct from the one required for the visa petition.

Frequently, the U.S. agent or sponsor is responsible for applying for the visa, communicating with institutions, and handling the legal and contractual aspects related to performances and events.

Thus, the professional who represents you internationally and the contact established in the United States can be two distinct roles, and the choice of who will perform this role will depend on how your career is organized.

Additionally, it is always important to remember that the entire process must strictly follow U.S. immigration laws. Therefore, it is essential to seek guidance from professionals and specialized companies in this area, being careful to avoid fraud and offers promising easy or guaranteed results.

This caution will ensure that the procedures are carried out safely and correctly, preserving your interests.

Finally, the fact that having an American manager is not mandatory does not mean you should undertake this endeavor alone. The assistance of experienced professionals in this area can facilitate assembling a robust process aligned with the requirements of the O visa.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.